Archive for category: Global Poverty

Key articles and information on global poverty.

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The Fight Against Poverty in Bhutan

Poverty in Bhutan
According to World Bank data, the Kingdom of Bhutan finally eliminated extreme poverty in 2022. This data means that 100% of Bhutanese live with more than $2.15/a day. Furthermore, the share of the population living under the upper-middle income countries’ poverty line of 6.85 has shrunk from 39.5% in 2017 to 8.5% in 2022. However, despite these reductions, the Bhutanese people still face many challenges. 

Bhutan is a country in the Himalayas mountain range with an area of 38.394 sq km. This size makes it a fairly small nation in one of the most remote locations in the world, creating challenges for development and poverty reduction. Former prime minister Jigme Thinley said, “There are too many Bhutanese for whom a walk or a drive to the nearest basic health unit is at least one hour away.” Therefore, while its journey provides insights for development, the country still has much to improve, including living conditions and the eradication of poverty. 

Eliminating Poverty in Bhutan

The main driver of Bhutanese economic growth in the past decades has been exporting excess hydroelectric power to India. From 1990 to 2022, this export has been the main source of income and reduction of poverty in Bhutan. With this income, the Bhutanese government has reinvested in developing infrastructure throughout the country. With this, Bhutanese farmers have commercialized their products beyond their local communities, boosting trade and increasing their income. 

Priorities for Bhutan remain tied to boosting infrastructure to make it attractive for business and improving its Gross Happiness Index score, a development measurement tool designed in Bhutan to address the main complaints of its inhabitants and guide policy to improve the mental well-being of its population. This index has also experienced improvement but on a more reduced scale when compared to overall poverty reduction. On a scale of 0 to one, the country scored 0.743 in 2010, improving to 0.781 in 2022. This growth might be slower than poverty reduction or GDP, but it is steady and allows the Bhutanese government to take a more holistic approach to improving living conditions. 

Challenges

Despite the successes in poverty reduction, as the former prime minister Jigme Thinley expressed, there are still many challenges to overcome. Youth unemployment rose from 9.6% in 2021 to 18.6% in 2022, and debt to GDP stood at 129.1%. This trend has led the government to a tight situation where its youth is jobless and cannot afford to increase its investments to counterbalance it. 

Furthermore, despite its progress in this area, remote mountainous areas still have long commutes before arriving at health facilities, causing disparities between urban and rural areas, especially in the country’s eastern regions. 

Finally, Bhutan’s location poses one last challenge to development: natural disasters. Earthquakes, floods and landslides are common in the area and can cause significant damage to the local population. Thus, in 2019, the government of Bhutan, in collaboration with the UN, developed a roadmap for disaster risk management. The current guidelines focus on awareness, preparedness and coordinated efficiency to maximize the impact of aid from NGOs and UN organizations.

Looking Forward

Bhutan has made significant progress in improving living conditions, and its policies center around the population’s most urgent needs thanks to the use of the Gross Happiness Index. Thus, even if the government has little maneuverability due to high debt ratios, it has tackled the issue of development in remote terrain relatively effectively through extensive investments in infrastructure. It may be too soon to declare the end of all poverty in Bhutan, but the country has come a long way to achieve 0% of its population living under $2.15/a day.

– Daniel Pereda
Photo: Flickr

How Tourism is Alleviating Vietnam’s Poverty

Alleviating Vietnam’s Poverty
Vietnam is famously known for its rich heritage, history and beauty. With a coastline of 3,260 kilometers, the country is home to many beautiful beaches, bays and islands. These features make Vietnam an emerging hotspot for tourists, with the country already having welcomed more than 5.5 million foreign tourists from January 2023 to June of the same year. 

Barring the COVID-19 period, when countries had closed their borders, tourism has consistently and increasingly contributed to the GDP growth of Vietnam, with its share of GDP reaching up to 9.2% in 2019 with 18 million visitors. In 2023, the tourism sector is on a steady path to returning to similar contribution levels to Vietnam’s economy.

Tourism is a “smokeless industry” that helps provide jobs and livelihood to a vast part of the population. Apart from the main cities of Vietnam, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, many smaller and more remote areas have emerged as tourist destinations due to the authentic experiences they provide and their connection to “real” Vietnam. Here is how tourism is alleviating Vietnam’s poverty.

The Correlation Between Tourism and Poverty Reduction

According to a paper titled “Impact of Tourism on Poverty Reduction: Evidence from an Emerging Tourism Market,” published in the Montenegrin Journal of Economics in 2020, poverty and tourism have a negative correlation. Not just in Vietnam but globally, tourism has been seen to largely positively impact poverty alleviation efforts. Tourism does not just help bolster a country’s hospitality sector (hotels, restaurants, etc.). Still, it also provides an avenue for growth for multiple other industries that complement tourism and tourist presence. 

This presence includes the transportation sector, manufacturing industries, agricultural sector, village industries, etc. It also provides a job and livelihood to people as tour guides and cab drivers, among others. Additionally, tourism allows the country’s products to be opened up to a new consumer market, foreign tourists. Thus, the tourist economy impacts many underlying factors that contribute to poverty and allows for poverty reduction in the real sense, not just superficially.

The ILO Project and Toolkit

With this idea and under this pursuit, the International Labour Organization (ILO) developed a project and toolkit to use tourism to reduce poverty in countries. Many countries took up and implemented this concept, which the ILO popularized, including Vietnam in 2012. As per an ILO report, the idea behind this project was “to connect poor and isolated communities” with the tourism industry and to offer the village people “opportunities to sell their handicrafts.” According to the then-ILO Vietnam Director, Gyorgy Sziraczki, “The tourism value chain and its significant connection to other sectors, such as agriculture, construction, utilities and transport, as shown internationally, can contribute to poverty reduction and economic development in Viet Nam.” He believed that “one job in the core tourism industry indirectly generates 1.5 additional jobs in the related economy.” 

This project has shown how tourism is alleviating Vietnam’s poverty. Upon the beginning of this project in the country, three tourism villages were opened up to tourists. Within three years, about 200 village households were already making a profit of $5,100 per month by providing tourism services. Selling traditional and authentic handicrafts is a testimony to tourism’s impact on people and their livelihood and quality of life.

Future Prospects in Alleviating Vietnam’s Poverty

After vigorous tourism development in Vietnam, the tourism industry has become the leading or pillar industry of most provinces and cities in the country’s Southwest region. With its new Visa policies, rapidly expanding market and focus on the development of tourist hotspots and the hospitality sector, Vietnam is on the road to becoming a popular and greatly visited tourist destination in Asia, with its tourism revenue expected to be around $27.5 million by the end of this year. 

– Manasvi Kadian
Photo: Flickr

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Education Cannot Wait: Providing Education in All Conditions

Education Cannot WaitMore than 8% of the world’s primary school-aged children do not attend school. That is 58.4 million children who rarely have the opportunity to learn how to read and write, let alone develop the skills necessary to thrive economically. Education opens doors for jobs and resources, promotes healthier lifestyles through more knowledge of nutrition and disease and provides a safer space for young children, typically leading to lower mortality rates and an increase in the age of pregnancy. Overall, education can address the most pressing matters of poverty. 

The United Nations is continuously working to meet the educational needs of the millions of children who do not currently receive the benefits of education. Most of these children cannot attend school due to a lack of qualified teachers, inadequate teaching materials and poor sanitation. These obstacles are magnified when a nation faces further turmoil. The Education Cannot Wait (ECW) program provides education to children in the most uncertain times of emergencies and protracted crises. Here are three examples of how the ECW provides education despite conflict, climate disasters and epidemics. 

#AfghanGirlVoices 

The Taliban authorities regained power in Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, Afghanistan has been internationally isolated, sinking the country further into poverty and reversing previous social and economic development. Recently, a fundamental right has been stripped from women: education. The Taliban has banned all women above the age of 12 from attending school, stripping females of their aspirations and potential. 

The Education Cannot Wait program implemented #AfghanGirlVoices as an outlet for Afghan women to share their resilient opinions about their position in the education system. The campaign is amplifying women’s voices to condemn the violation of their education and to advocate for the institution of female education in Afghanistan. 

COVID-19’s Effect on Kenyan Education 

It is estimated that nine in ten Kenyan children from low-income families never attend school. Inadequate facilities and teaching materials contribute to this lack of education. It is exacerbated by limited health and medical materials, making it difficult for those struggling with diseases like HIV or even girls on their period to attend school. COVID-19 disrupted education by completely shutting down schools with no measures to enforce the necessary sanitation. Additionally, those in low-income areas had no means to participate in a remote education. 

To combat the effect of COVID-19 on education in Kenya, Education Cannot Wait launched the First Emergency Response (FER) program. The program provided remote learning resources, as well as new water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities to make education more accessible despite epidemics. FER helped train 1,733 teachers on new subjects and curriculum knowledge. Additionally, they provided 11,050 adolescent girls with female hygiene kits, allowing them to attend school all weeks of the school year. 

Natural Disasters

Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes and typhoons, constantly threaten education. In 2011, 11,000 schools were destroyed in Pakistan due to extreme flooding. Lower educational attainment is seen among many communities that have faced natural disasters. Aside from the destruction of schools, malnutrition, injury, economic challenges and human displacement reduce school attendance after a natural catastrophe. 

Education Cannot Wait invests heavily in communities facing natural disasters. The program constructs temporary learning spaces, provides learning materials, rebuilds damaged schools and offers both mental and physical health support facilities. The ECW goes beyond investments to prepare nations for catastrophes and mobilizes the community to respond to crises. 

The ECW designs educational systems that integrate disaster risk reduction and green economy knowledge while empowering youth to advocate for their community and their necessary resources. 

– Aliya French
Photo: Flickr

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5 Charities Operating in Indonesia

Charities in IndonesiaIndonesia, a vibrant nation nestled in Southeast Asia, is home to a diverse population facing various challenges. Amidst the rich cultural tapestry, several charities tirelessly work to uplift communities, promote education, provide healthcare, and protect the environment. Here are five impactful charities operating in Indonesia, each contributing to the nation’s progress and improved welfare.

5 Charities Operating in Indonesia

  1. Kitabisa – Kitabisa is a fundraising platform founded by Alfatih Timur and Vikra Ijas and has revolutionized charitable giving in Indonesia through its innovative crowdfunding platform. Established in 2013, this online fundraising platform empowers individuals to contribute to various causes, ranging from disaster relief to educational initiatives. According to its website, over 6 million people have donated to the online fundraising platform, and total liabilities and net assets amounted to IDR 291.61 billion, or over $19 million, in 2020 alone. 
  2. Rumah Zakat – Rumah Zakat is a prominent humanitarian organization dedicated to tackling poverty and improving healthcare in Indonesia. Since its inception in 1998, the charity has been providing essential services, including medical aid, clean water access, and livelihood support, to disadvantaged communities. With over 200 humanitarian programs, Rumah Zakat has positively impacted the lives of over 42 million Indonesians. 
  3. Greeneration Indonesia – Greeneration Indonesia is at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives in Indonesia. Founded in 2011, Greeneration promotes eco-consciousness and undertakes various projects, such as waste management, tree planting, and environmental preservation education. To date, Greeneration Indonesia has engaged over 2 million individuals in its efforts to create a greener Indonesia. 
  4. Solemen – Solemen Indonesia is a remarkable charity that focuses on assisting individuals with disabilities and providing outreach to vulnerable communities. Established in 2009, the organization offers a range of services, including medical care, prosthetics, and education, to those in need. Solemen has touched the lives of over 20,000 people across Indonesia, especially in Bali, helping them lead more fulfilling and inclusive lives. 
  5. Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation – The Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation is committed to improving education and empowering the youth of Indonesia. Established in 2005, the charity provides scholarships and educational support to underprivileged students, enabling them to pursue their dreams and break the cycle of poverty. Through its efforts, the foundation has impacted the lives of over 5,000 students across the nation. 

Innovation for the Future

These five charities operating in Indonesia are beacons of hope and inspiration, exemplifying the positive impact that can be achieved through compassion, innovation, and determination. As they continue their noble missions in Indonesia, they invite individuals and corporations alike to join hands in creating a more equitable and prosperous future for all. 

– Kent Anderson
Photo: Unsplash

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The Poverty Rate in Mexico Has Declined

The Poverty Rate in MexicoA study by Conveal showed a decline in the poverty rate in Mexico over the past four years. The reduction meant that in Mexico more than 5 million fewer people reported incomes below the market rate for needs like clothes and food.

The Past Few Years

Andrés Manuel López Obrador has been the president of Mexico since 2018 and has doubled the country’s minimum wage. In 2018, the minimum wage was equal to about $4.50 per day. It has since increased to $12 per day.

However, the amount of money sent back to Mexico by Mexicans working overseas, also known as remittances, has nearly doubled during the same time frame. In 2018, remittances amounted to approximately $33.5 billion; as of the first half of 2023, they are projected to reach an annual rate of around $60 billion.

Not All Good News

Extreme poverty, defined as not having enough money to buy adequate food, increased from 7% of the population in 2018 to 7.1% in 2022, according to the agency. The number of individuals living in extreme poverty increased from 8.7 million in 2018 to 9.1 million in 2022 due to population growth.

Additionally, López Obrador established youth apprenticeship and scholarship programs and supplemental pension payments for seniors. It is unclear, however, if these programs have specifically benefited the poorest Mexicans because they are not means-tested; instead, they are offered to everyone who qualifies, regardless of income level.

There was also a remarkable rise in the proportion of persons reporting financial difficulties related to medical treatment. The percentage increased from 16.2% of the population in 2018 to 39.1% in 2022. In a previous assessment of the rise in that number in 2020, the agency cited the sweeping reforms made to the health care system under López Obrador and the consequences of the coronavirus outbreak.

Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas

Founded in 2008, Casa Hogar de Cabo San Lucas is a Mexican enrolled nonprofit, charitable organization. It could be a Social Help Center. Casa Hogar may be a comfortable, secure and upbeat home for kids and teenagers set in an alluring, camp-like environment giving physical and enthusiastic care.

In addition to caring for the inhabitants, the organization gets them ready for selection or to be rejoined with their families. With a fluctuating populace of around 30 inhabitants, between 5 and 17 years old, the children and teenagers who make up this expansive family arrive beneath the security of Civil or State level Child Security Offices. Most have living guardians, but for reasons beyond their control, inhabitants cannot live with their guardians.

One of its projects, called “Blue Miracle,” is a movie featured on Netflix based on a Casa Hogar story from 2014. Blue Miracle has spread awareness and sensitivity to private social assistance centers in Mexico, which operate as charities without government funding.

This organization wants to help as many children as possible in Mexico by interacting with the problem to expand assistance to every vulnerable child. Its continuous efforts should only reduce the poverty rate in Mexico.

– Hailey Spencer
Photo: Unsplash

The Effects of Favela Developments on Poverty in Brazil

Favela Developments in Brazil
In only a year and a half, the impoverished Brazilian favela of Boca do Sapo was successfully transformed into Favela dos Sonhos, or “Favela of Dreams.” As a result of the collaboration of various businesses and NGOs, this Brazilian community has seen significant improvements such as better living conditions and high-speed internet. The transformation of Boca do Sapo illustrates the potential of impoverished favelas in Brazil. If these favela developments in Brazil continue to improve the state of living in these areas, the country could see an unprecedented drop in poverty over the next decade.

What Are Favelas?

The impoverished neighborhoods, or slums, of Brazil are referred to as favelas. Favela developments in Brazil are often located on the outskirts of major Brazilian cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Around 6% of Brazil’s population currently live in favelas. Between 2010 and 2019, the number of families living in these Brazilian slums doubled, and racial discrimination in these areas has only worsened over time.

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic has hit Brazilians living in favelas hard. The pandemic’s impact, compounded by the lack of education, job opportunities, sustainable income, clean water and shelter, forced many Brazilians into extreme poverty. 

Many often see favelas as a symbol of Brazil’s governmental failures, as their racial disparity illustrates the socioeconomic hierarchy present in the country. However, groups such as Gerando Falcões (“Raising Falcons”) are lifting favelas out of poverty in significant ways.

Gerando Falcões

Edu Lyra, a Brazilian who returned to his favela as an adult after escaping poverty, founded Gerando Falcões, a social justice organization with the mission to fight poverty in Brazil.

The group targets favelas, as Lyra believes that the slums and the people living in them have immense untapped potential that can only be fully realized by lifting them out of poverty. To that end, the group has managed to benefit more than 200,000 individuals living in 1,700 favelas since its founding. In 2021, Gerando Falcões helped to fight against COVID-19’s exacerbating effects by raising roughly $10 million.

Boca do Sapo’s Transformation

The transformation of Boca do Sapo into Favela dos Sonhos is the most recent achievement of Gerando Falcões. Projections determined that this plan would only take two years and 6.5 million reais, which is equivalent to $1.3 million USD. 

However, with the strong coordination of Gerando Falcões, Boca do Sapo has already completely transformed in 18 months. This large-scale transformation through the installation of micro water-treatment plants and power grids, the renovation of buildings with stronger materials, the educating of residents on how to start small businesses and the convincing of employers to hire capable individuals from the favela. The results have allowed the roughly 200 families of Favela dos Sonhos to live a life that seemed impossible after experiencing extreme poverty for years. 

The Implications for Poverty in Brazil

Boca do Sapo’s transition into Favela dos Sonhos serves as an example of how the untapped potential of favela developments in Brazil can be fully realized with the right coordination from groups such as Gerando Falcões. As many as 16 million people living across all 11,403 favelas in Brazil could see substantial improvements in their lives, which is a necessary change after so many have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to how heavily these favelas correlate with poverty in Brazil as a whole, the successful transformation of favelas like Boca do Sapo directly combat poverty and has the potential to improve the lives of millions of Brazilians.

– Liam Kahan
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Elderly Poverty in the Dominican Republic

Elderly Poverty in the Dominican RepublicElderly poverty is a growing concern in the Dominican Republic, as the elderly population continues to expand. With the advantages of modernization and economic growth, the average life expectancy in the Dominican Republic has increased significantly from 40 to 70 years between 1960 and 2020. However, this remarkable increase in life expectancy has not been matched by adequate social welfare systems for the elderly.

As the elderly population grows, the financial strain on existing government and family support systems also increases. Here is some information about elderly poverty in the Dominican Republic and what some are doing to combat it.

Familial Care

The growing number of people aged 60 and over is a matter of concern when considering the steady decline in the Dominican Republic’s birth rate over the past decade (from 21.8 in 2011 to 18.4 in 2021).

In the Dominican Republic, the culture places significant value on the care of the elderly, with much of the social welfare coming from families. However, the decreasing birth rate and the increasing number of elderly individuals create a significant imbalance that could strain the financial security of the elderly in the future. With families having more elderly members to care for and fewer working-age members to support them, there may be an increased financial burden on both families and the elderly, which could lead to higher poverty rates for both groups.

The Systems in Place

The growing elderly population in the Dominican Republic highlights the need for the country’s pension and elderly care systems to undergo significant changes and receive increased funding.

Of the population aged 80 and over in the Dominican Republic, only 9.3% receive income from their pensions, while 46% rely on financial support from their families. Overall, only 18% of those who are economically active benefit from pension plans. This leaves a significant portion of the elderly population without access to documented financial support. These undocumented elderly individuals often lack the legal status required to receive pensions due to issues like unofficial residency or involvement in the informal economy, which is not part of the government-monitored social welfare system for the elderly.

The shortage of trained caregivers and a lack of affordable care homes are contributing to the poverty issue among the elderly. Families that cannot afford professional elderly care often assume the responsibility themselves, which can place a financial burden on them. With around 40% of Dominicans living in precarious situations, vulnerable to climate-related issues and economic instability, these additional financial strains can exacerbate poverty rates among the elderly and the broader population. Addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the well-being of the elderly in the Dominican Republic.

Looking Ahead

The Dominican Republic has seen a significant increase in its elderly population, which reflects improved health care and economic conditions over the past eight decades. However, this demographic shift presents new challenges in terms of providing support and ensuring social welfare for the elderly. Taking proactive measures to address these challenges before the elderly population grows even larger can help prevent elderly poverty in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, providing relief to the country to assist those experiencing extreme poverty, often intertwined with the elderly population, can make a significant impact.

– Chinua Ebereonwu
Photo: Flickr

How Foreign Aid Has Reduced Poverty in 3 Countries

Foreign Aid Has Reduced Poverty
In the past, foreign aid was the supplication of military men at war times, but the contemporary concept was first put into action in the 18th century, during colonization. It was the time when colonies were being provided large sums of money by their mother countries to build better infrastructure in hopes of better economic outputs.

This foreign aid culture flourished and has led this article to discuss three countries namely India, Egypt and Nigeria which have shown significant growth from contributions of foreign aid. Here is how foreign aid has reduced poverty in the three countries.

How Foreign Aid is Important

In the 21st century, foreign aid has become a common phrase. It is a transfer of capital goods or services from a country or international body to another country with the aim to aid in the economic, military or humanitarian sector.

According to research by UNU-WIDER, if a country consistently receives aid equivalent to approximately 10% of its national income annually for more than a generation, it can expect its average growth rate to increase by approximately one percentage point compared to what it would have been without such aid. This highlights the significant positive impact that sustained foreign aid can have on economic progress in recipient nations.

Furthermore, this evidence strongly supports the idea that foreign aid has the potential to foster economic development in developing countries over the long term.

India, Egypt and Nigeria are three of many countries receiving foreign aid that have seen growth over time. The statistics from these countries have demonstrated that foreign aid has reduced poverty and stimulated progress in the economy. 

India 

India is a global partner of USAID. By forging partnerships with private and public stakeholders, it has helped in the expansion of financial and human resources in India. As these investments grow, the opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation pave the way in Indian industries and business sectors. 

Consequently, in the year 2022, India achieved the distinction of being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, even in the face of substantial challenges within the global economic landscape. In the fiscal year 2022-2023, India’s real GDP experienced robust growth, estimated at approximately 6.9%.

Egypt

Egypt has built a fair economy with substantial growth over the years. It has received foreign aid from USAID for four decades, accounting for up to $30 billion. The results have been fairly significant. 

It has helped bring clean water and wastewater services to 25 million Egyptians. In the health sector, aid has eliminated polio and reduced child mortality by 80% and maternal mortality by 78%. Education prospects for the future generation were also recognized, which led to the setting up of 2,000 schools with a special focus on gender equality. Electricity and telecom services increased across the country, helping to create hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Nigeria

Nigeria is receiving $1.3 billion as of 2023. It is the largest country in the subcontinent of Africa and it houses 96 million people who live on less than $1.90 per day. The humanitarian need of the Nigerian people is vital. Even though macroeconomic rigidities have limited growth with important sectors like agriculture receiving less share of foreign aid, the health sector has prospered under foreign aid.

Health is regarded as a vital conduit for enhancing the human capital foundation of an economy, acting as a cornerstone for bolstering productivity and fostering prosperity. Foreign health aid from developed nations such as the U.S., U.K. and France has contributed to Nigeria’s public health which helped address its economic woes as well.

Looking Ahead

Foreign aid has reduced poverty in India, Egypt and Nigeria successfully. Similar efforts could make a difference in other parts of the world as well.

– Asra Mairaj
Photo: Flickr

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Cybertech Africa 2023: How Technology Can Impact Poverty

Cybertech Africa 2023
Cybertech Africa 2023, hosted at the Kigali Convention Center in Kigali, Rwanda on the first two days of August, was the first-ever Cybertech Global gathering in Africa. The convention demonstrated the rapid development of technology and innovation in Africa and illustrated the impact technology is having on the economic status of many African countries. 

For example, certain countries such as Seychelles have seen a recent tech boom that, despite the country’s small size, has been dramatically impactful. Cybertech Africa 2023 is one of many recent signs that point towards technological innovation as a method of helping African countries out of poverty.

What is Cybertech Global?

Cybertech Global is one of the technology industry’s leading business-to-business networking platforms. The goal of Cybertech is to showcase and facilitate global discussion around the most recent innovations in the technology sphere. In particular, the convention’s primary topic is cyber technology, which is a subsection of the industry that focuses on networks, data and cybersecurity. 

Cybertech exhibitions cover recent challenges and potential solutions that exist in the form of technology. Company executives, government officials, and even world leaders often attend these conferences, as technology is one of the most profitable and innovative industries in the world. Cybertech conferences have been held in Tel Aviv, Singapore, Rome, Panama, Tokyo, and, most recently, in Rwanda. 

Seychelles at Cybertech Africa 2023

Cybertech Africa 2023 hosted many officials and executives, including H.E. Ahmed Afif, Vice President of the small isolated nation of Seychelles. Afif spoke at the convention, emphasizing the unique position of Seychelles and how technology has impacted the country. 

“In a small country like Seychelles, with 100,000 people, skills in the health specialist area are very limited,” explained Afif. “But what you find is that when a surgeon has to carry out an operation, now with digital technology you can have specialists around the world following the surgery. This is revolutionary.” 

Afif also stressed the importance of the Data Protection Act of 2023, which the government of Seychelles passed on June 22, 2023. The bill brings Seychelles closer to a modern cybersecurity infrastructure akin to that of the United States. This further demonstrates the rapid technological growth seen in Seychelles and, much like Cybertech Africa, is representative of Africa’s technological progress as a whole. 

What Does Cybertech Africa Mean for Poverty?

Cybertech Africa 2023 showcases the rapid technological development of African nations. Advanced technological infrastructure has become a necessity in the modern world. Likewise, technology is a massive industry; the more development and focus put into technology, the more a country will see considerable economic returns. This is compounded by technological demand.

Countries like the Seychelles are now major consumers in the technology sphere. This leads to a feedback loop in which both industrial giants and burgeoning African countries can benefit. Cybertech Africa 2023 already demonstrates progress in this regard, and further emphasis on technology and the digital age will result in a higher quality of life for all those living in African countries.

– Liam Kahan
Photo: Flickr

Key Facts to Know about HIV/AIDS in Eritrea

HIV/AIDS in EritreaHIV/AIDS has been the subject of international health efforts for decades as millions of people worldwide have struggled to find consistent and adequate treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) African region is currently the most affected area, with 25.7 million people living with HIV. This is about 68% of the world’s HIV-positive population. Further, sub-Saharan Africa currently accounts for two-thirds of global new HIV infections. While these statistics have remained consistent for the last several years for the region at large, the rate of HIV/AIDS in Eritrea stands apart from the region as the nation has demonstrated considerable success in decreasing the HIV/AIDS rate within its borders.

These successes are likely due to Eritrea’s efforts to uphold public awareness campaigns, sites that encourage early testing, greater education surrounding the virus, peer counseling and the establishment of condom distribution programs. According to the Ministry of Health’s reports, Eritrea’s infection rate is currently below 1%—the lowest in the region. Here are some key facts about HIV/AIDS in Eritrea demonstrating this progress and groups spearheading successful initiatives.

Recent Progress

Eritrea has focused on eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission. Currently, more than 95% of pregnant women in Eritrea undergo testing for HIV. Since the introduction of this program, there has been a zero vertical transmission rate of HIV (per 100,000 live births) and a zero transmission rate due to breastfeeding. The number of HIV-exposed infants testing positive at 18 months (the final period for an infant diagnosis) has consistently decreased and recently reached zero as well.

Eritrea established the National Validation Committee (NVC) to oversee programs involved in mother-to-child transmission. The group has been very successful at working with the U.N. and the Ministry of Health to identify potential points of transmission and address them immediately. Establishing groups aimed at specific types of transmission has been important in Eritrean efforts to battle the virus.

Organizations Helping with Condom Promotion and Education

An important organization in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Eritrea is the Eritrean Social Marketing Group (ESMG). This group provides condoms to people in need. Approximately six million condoms have been distributed through ESMG in just a few years. UNICEF has extended its support to ESMG, and it continues to play a pivotal role in this simple yet effective method of curbing HIV/AIDS.

UNICEF has also worked with the National Union of Eritrean Students (NUEYS) to establish peer education programs across the country. Peer education has played an instrumental role in educating younger generations on how to keep themselves safe. The Eritrean military has also initiated programs to improve access to condoms along with distributing information related to their proper use. It has spread information throughout the nation and targeted demographics deemed high-risk. Distributing resources and information together sets an important precedent for HIV/AIDS policy.

Access to Treatment and Testing Sites

The Ministry of Health increased access to care and counseling for those with a positive diagnosis at the beginning of Eritrea’s fight against HIV. It works with health care centers to improve staff training on the virus and outside organizations to ensure consistent access to necessary medications. Eritrea’s Ministry of Health currently operates 135 voluntary counseling centers and 93 facilities offering antenatal care and PMTCT (Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission) treatments. Additionally, blood screening is readily available across the country. Antiretroviral drugs are also provided in health facilities nationwide. Providing these centers across the country and not just concentrated in urban centers has helped eliminate obstacles to treatment. Additionally, ministry-appointed counselors help individuals identify proper treatments.

Public Awareness Campaigns

USAID/Eritrea has supported the development of a public awareness campaign titled Winning Through Caring. This campaign focuses on increasing sensitivity and information surrounding HIV/AIDS. It has utilized the radio, posters, leaflets, stickers and billboards to get the message across. According to the Eritrean government, an estimated 30,000 people are exposed to this campaign or the peer education discussion groups it has organized.

As negative news surrounding HIV/AIDS continues to flood in, particularly in this region, we ought to highlight the success stories as well. Moving beyond HIV/AIDS in Eritrea is possible. Eritrea’s commendable efforts to limit the spread of the virus show how the right combination of public health campaigns and improved health care resources can transform communities. The U.S. Embassy declared on World AIDS Day, 2022: “We commend Eritrea’s fight against HIV/AIDS!” Although the work against HIV/AIDS worldwide is far from over, the success stories bring in a little bit of good news.

– Nikki Bayat
Photo: Flickr